Andre Drummond is already making his presence felt in New York. He gives the Knicks an early reason to feel better about life without Mitchell Robinson. Drummond has delivered a historic first-half performance against Philadelphia, offering an encouraging glimpse of his potential.
The Knicks' official public relations account highlighted the milestone during the game. "Andre Drummond's double-double in the first half today was the third fastest (14:18) by any Knicks player since 1996-97 (play-by-play era). He is also the first and only player in Knicks history to record a first half double-double in a Knicks season-opener dating back to 96-97." as per NY Knicks PR.
It was an immediate statement from a player brought in to help replace Robinson, who left New York for Boston in free agency. Drummond's performance is particularly encouraging given the size of Robinson's role in the Knicks' championship run. Robinson provided rebounding, interior defense and physicality around the basket.
Replacing that production was always going to require more than one player, but Drummond's early impact suggests New York has a reliable option in the middle. The 33-year-old joined the Knicks on a one-year, $3.9 million contract after spending last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in 63 games for Philadelphia, including 25 starts.
As of this writing, Drummond has 10 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks in 18 minutes. That production is exactly what New York needs from its veteran backup. Drummond is not expected to replicate every part of Robinson's game, but his rebounding and ability to finish around the rim can help keep the frontcourt productive.
It is still early in the season, and one performance cannot settle every question about the Knicks' center rotation. But Drummond has made a compelling first impression. For a team trying to defend its championship, his historic start offers a promising sign that Robinson's departure may not leave quite the gap some expected.
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